What is the difference between a Old English Sheepdog and a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

The Old English Sheepdog is 60–100 lbs, 21–24 in sized while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 30–40 lbs, 17–19 in sized. They differ in size (60–100 lbs, 21–24 in vs 30–40 lbs, 17–19 in), lifespan (10–12 years vs 12–14 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, Old English Sheepdog or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

Old English Sheepdog is generally good with kids. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Old English Sheepdog or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

The Old English Sheepdog has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a lifespan of 12–14 years.

Old English Sheepdog vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier — Breed Comparison

About the Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog — sometimes called the "Bobtail" — was developed in the early 19th century in England's western counties as a drover's dog for moving cattle and sheep to market. These large, athletic dogs stand 21 inches and up, typically weighing 60 to 100 pounds, with a distinctive rolling, bear-like gait. Their profuse, shaggy double coat in blue, gray, blue merle, or grizzle — always with white markings — is one of the most recognizable in the dog world.

Temperament & Personality

Old English Sheepdogs are gentle, adaptable, and blessed with a wonderful clownish sense of humor that makes them natural entertainers. They are devoted to their families, excellent with children — often herding them gently — and generally friendly toward other pets. Their intelligence and eagerness to engage make them responsive to training, though they do have an independent streak typical of herding breeds.

Pros

Gentle, playful nature makes them outstanding family companions
Adaptable to various living situations when exercise needs are met
Natural herding instinct provides built-in watchfulness over children
Social and friendly demeanor with both people and other animals

Cons

Extremely high grooming demands — coat requires thorough brushing 3 to 4 times weekly minimum
Prone to hip dysplasia, autoimmune thyroiditis, and exercise-induced collapse
Heavy shedding and tendency to track dirt, leaves, and moisture indoors
Can develop separation anxiety and become destructive when left alone

Charmed by the shaggy, lovable Bobtail? Browse Old English Sheepdog adoption listings on Puplister now.

About the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier originated in Ireland over 200 years ago as an all-purpose farm dog — herding livestock, guarding property, and dispatching vermin, earning it the nickname "the poor man's wolfhound." These medium-sized dogs stand 17 to 19 inches tall and weigh 30 to 40 pounds, with a sturdy, compact build beneath their distinctive coat. Their single-layer, silky, wavy coat matures from a dark puppy color to its signature warm wheaten gold by about two years of age — and unlike most terriers, it is soft rather than wiry.

Temperament & Personality

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are exuberant, affectionate, and joyful — known for their characteristic "Wheaten greeting" where they enthusiastically jump up to lick faces, which can be endearing or problematic depending on the recipient. They are deeply devoted to their families, excellent with children, and more tolerant of other dogs than many terrier breeds. Their happy, bouncy energy remains well into adulthood, and they approach life with an infectious enthusiasm that brightens any household.

Pros

Single coat sheds minimally — more suitable for allergy-sensitive households
Friendly and exuberant — loves people and gets along with children and other dogs
Less aggressive and territorial than many other terrier breeds
Versatile and athletic — enjoys agility, hiking, and active family life

Cons

Coat requires daily brushing and regular professional grooming to prevent matting
Prone to protein-losing nephropathy and protein-losing enteropathy — serious breed-specific conditions
Jumping and exuberant greeting behavior can be difficult to manage
Can be stubborn during training and requires patient, consistent methods

The Wheaten Terrier's joyful spirit and soft golden coat are hard to resist — discover available Wheatens on Puplister.

Old English Sheepdog vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier